Georgia men sign two

ATHENS — Georgia picked up forward Howard Thompkins and guard Dustin Ware at the start of the early signing period Wednesday.

The 6-foot-8, 220-pound Thompkins is a senior at the Wesleyan School in Norcross. He played last season at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, averaging 15.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.

"Howard is one of the very best power forwards in the country, and he fills one of our needs perfectly in that he can score from anywhere on the floor, including 3-point range," Georgia coach Dennis Felton said. "His ability to face up and shoot the ‘3’ and handle the ball will add a needed dimension to our frontcourt. It will make us a more explosive team."

Ware, a 6-0 point guard, is a senior at North Cobb Christian School in Kennesaw. He averaged 17.2 points and 7.3 assists last season, leading his team to the Class AAA championship of the Georgia Independent School Association.